ith in its full
significance, we must undertake its study in the spirit of sincere and
selfless devotion to truth, persevering in the path of search and relying
on divine guidance. In the Writings of its Founders we shall find the
master key to the mysteries of this great spiritual awakening, and the
ultimate criterion of its value. Unfortunately, here again there are
difficulties in the way of the student who is unacquainted with the
Persian and Arabic languages in which the teachings are written. Only a
small proportion of the Writings has been translated into English, and
many of the translations which have appeared leave much to be desired,
both in accuracy and style. But despite the imperfection and inadequacy of
historical narratives and translations, the greatest essential truths
which form the massive and firm foundations of this Cause stand out like
mountains from the mists of uncertainty.(2)

Aim of Book

The endeavor in the following chapters will be to set forth, as far as
possible, fairly and without prejudice, the salient features of the
history and more especially of the teachings of the Baha'i Cause, so that
readers may be enabled to form an intelligent judgment as to their
importance, and perhaps be induced to search into the subject more deeply
for themselves.

Search after truth, however, important though it be, is not the whole aim
and end of life. The truth is no dead thing, to be placed in a museum when
found--to be labeled, classified, catalogued, exhibited and left there, dry
and sterile. It is something vital which must take root in men's hearts
and bear fruit in their lives ere they reap the full reward of their
search.

The real object, therefore, in spreading the knowledge of a prophetic
revelation is that those who become convinced of its truth may proceed to
practice its principles, to "lead the life" and diffuse the glad tidings,
thus hastening the advent of that blessed day when God's Will shall be
done on earth as it is in Heaven.

CHAPTER 2: THE BAB:(3) THE FORERUNNER

Verily the oppressor hath slain the Beloved of the worlds that he might
thereby quench the Light of God amidst His creatures and withhold mankind
from the Stream of Celestial Life in the days of his Lord, the Gracious,
the Bountiful.--BAHA'U'LLAH, Tablet to Ra'is.

Birthplace of the New Revelation

Persia, the birthplace of the Baha'i Revelation, has occupied a unique
place in the histo